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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS,! 

Chap. I..- i 

Shelf \ 




UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



v^asQaasaseas 



MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



LIFE AND CHARACTER 



Abraham Dowdney 

(A REPRESENTATIVE FROM NEW YORK). 



DELIVERED IN THE 



HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND IN THE SENATE, 



FORTY-NINTH CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION. 



PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF CONGRESS. 



WASHINGTON: (tit 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1887. 

00 



JOINT RESOLUTION providing for printing eulogies delivered in I ongress upon the 
late Abraham Dowdney, John Arnot, jr., Lewis Beach, William T. Price, William ll. 
( tole, and Austin F. Pike. 

Resolved by the Senate and HotiseofBepresentativesofthe United States 
of America in ' 'ongress assembled, That there In- printed, of the eulogies 
delivered in Congress upon the late Abraham Dowdney, John Arnot, jr., 
ami Lewis Beach, kite Representatives in the Forty-ninth Congress from 
the State of New York, and William T. Price, late a Representative Ire an 
the State of Wisconsin, and William H. Cole, late a Representative from 
the State of Maryland, twelve thousand five hundred copies each, of w hich 
three thousand Copies of each shall I"' for the use of the Senate and nine 
thousand five hundred each for the use of the House of Representatives. 

Sec. 2. That there he ;ils(i printed of the eulogies delivered in < longress 
upon the late Austin F. Pike, a Senator from Xew Hampshire, twelve 
thousand copies, of which four thousand copies shall be for the use of the 
Senate and eight thousand copies for the use of the House of Representa- 
tives. 

Sec. 3. That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and lie is herel ly , directed 
to have printed portraits of the said A bra ham Dowdney, John Arnot. jr.. 
Lewis Beach, William T. Price, William II. Cole, and Austin F. Pike, t" 
accompany said eulogies, and for the purpose of engraving and printing 
said portraits the sum of three thousand dollars, or so much thereof as 

may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any moneys in the 

Treasury not otherwise appropriated. 
Approved, March ;;, 1887. 
2 



ANNOUNCEMENT 

OP THE 

Death of Abraham Dowdney. 



PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 



In the House op Representatives, 

December 10, 1886. 

Mr. Timothy J. Campbell. Mr. Speaker, it is with sor- 
row and regret I have to announce to this House the death 
of one of its members, Hon. Abraham Dowdney, one of my 
associates in the representation of the city of New York. 
As he was entering his house last evening he was stricken 
with apoplexy, and died at 8 o'clock this morning. I offer 
the resolution which I send to the Clerk's desk. 

The Clerk read as follows : 

Resolved, That the House has heard with profound regret the announce- 
ment of the death of Hon. Abraham Dowdney, late a Representative from 
the State of New York. 

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That 
a select joint committee, consisting of seven members of the House and 
three members of the Senate, be appointed to attend the funeral, and the 
necessary expenses attending the execution of this order be paid out of 
the contingent fimd of the House. 

Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be authorized 
and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for properly carrying 
out the provisions of this resolution. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate the foregoing resolutions to the 
Senate. 

Resolved, As a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, 
that the House do now adjourn. 

The resolutions were unanimously agreed to, and, in ac- 
cordance therewith, the House adjourned. 



4 /.//' and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 

December 11, 1886. 
The Speaker announced, under the resolution of the House, 
the following as the committee to attend the funeral of Hon. 
Abraham Dowdney : Mr. Timothy J. Campbell, Mr. 
VlELE, Mr. Merrimax. and Mr. MuLLEK, of the ci1\ of 
New York, Mr. O'Neill, of Missouri, -Mr. Brady, and 
Mr. Scranton. 



In the House op Representatives. 

F> Imin I'lj s. lss7. 

Mr. Timothy J. Campbell. 1 offer the resolutions which 

I send to the desk. 

The Clerk read as follows : 

Resolved, That in tlir death of Hon. Abraham DOWDNEY, late a 
Representative of the Twelfth < longressional district of the State of New 
York, that district and state have lost an able, conscientious, and faith- 
ful servant and the country o safe, intelligent, and prudent legislator 
and a public-spirited and patriotic citizen. 

Resolved, That the Clerk of the House lie directed to transmit a copj of 
these resolutions to the family of the deceased. 

Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House, at the conclu- 
sion of these ceremonies, do adjourn. 



ADDRESSES 



Death of Abraham Dowdney, 



DELIVERED IN THE TWO HOUSES OF CONGRESS. 



Address of Mr. Timothy J. Campbell, of New 
York. 

Mr. Speaker : The solemn duty of delivering a eidogy on 
the memory of a beloved friend, the Hon. Abraham Dowd- 
ney, is assigned me this evening, an office which I fear I 
cannot fulfill with full credit to the name of the deceased. 

In my humble way, I rise in my place to pay such tribute 
as I am able to the character of him whom I esteemed in life 
and whose name I revere in death. 

Since the assembling of the second session of the Forty- 
ninth Congress the Messenger has called our fellow-member 
of the Twelfth district of New York from the bosom of his 
family. Mr. Abraham Dowdney, whose career will be the 
subject of my brief remarks, was stricken down without 
warning or apprehension, on the evening of December 10, 
while entering the house of his sister, in New York city. His 
death, though very sudden, found him not unprepared. He 
was identified with the Catholic Church, and devoted him- 
self to his religious duties with characteristic earnestness 
and zealous devotion. It was only on the day previous to 



6 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 

his death that he bade me good-bye on the floor of this House, 
feeling in good health and cheer, and started for his home 
to attend to private matters needing his attention there. 

The next morning I was apprised by telegram of his death. 
Thus "in the midst of life we are in death," and none of us 
upon our brief pilgrimage here below can lift the veil which 
closes out the " unknown realm " where the king and the serf 
meet upon an equal basis ; from whence the Reaper cometh 
with his scythe to cut down his weeds and his flowers. 

But one fact we all know ; our hour must come, do what 
we may to ward off the mysterious touch which stills for- 
ever all joys, all sorrows, all strifes, all conflicts, all hopes, 
and all earthly aspirations. Amid this stern truth we 
realize a nameless comfort in the thought that everything 
passes away — the stars, the dust, and the granite rocks; 
but, as Bulwer beautifully expresses it, 

To rise upon some fairer shore, 

And, bright in heaven's jeweled crown, 

To shine forever more. 

Mr. Abraham Dowdney was born in Ireland, and came 
to this country when quite young. After finishing his studies 
in the public schools of New York he apprenticed himself to 
a plumber, and mastered his trade at the early age of nine- 
teen years and embarked in business for himself. Impelled 
by duty to espouse the cause to which he adhered, he left 
ins home and business to face the dangers, trials, and pri- 
vations of war. Assuming the responsibilities devolving 
upon a captain, he proved an ellicient, brave, and praise- 
worthy officer. Always scrupulously careful of the feelings 
of others even at the sacrifice of his own feelings and inter- 
ests, he made firm friends wherever fickle fate chanced to 
cast his lot, irrespective of the congeniality of (dime or the 
people with whom he was thrown in contact. 

A few years after his return from the Army Mr. I >< >\\ dnei 



Address of Mr. Timothy J. Campbell, of New York. 7 

was married to Miss Mary E. Crimmins, sister of John D. 
and Thomas E. Crimmins, the well-known contractors in 
New York City. She died eight years ago, leaving two 
interesting children. Two years later he married Miss Lellie 
Purcell, daughter of Dr. John Purcell, formerly of the Sev- 
enth ward, New York City. The fruit of the second mar- 
riage was four boys. The widow and all the children sur- 
vive him. 

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and duty as the friend and 
associate of Mr. Dowdney to say he possessed the keenest 
sense of honor, which word, in its fullest acceptation, means 
the reflection of a man's own action shining like the sun in 
the face of all about him and from thence rebounding upon 
himself. 

Hence it is my sacred duty to publicly proclaim the virtue 
of him who in life was the builder of his own name, and 
who, upon being taken away by relentless Death, left behind 
him a monument of deeds more lofty than the proudest 
gifts known to the books of heraldry. 

In 1881 he was selected to become school trustee in the 
Nineteenth ward of the city of New York, which position 
he occupied in so satisfactory a manner as to give unani- 
mous approval. Unsought and unsolicited he was prevailed 
upon to accept the nomination and election to the Forty- 
ninth Congress. 

He was the candidate of all factions, and was selected to 
harmonize the conflicting elements within his party. 

Molding his opinions into such shape as to give offense to 
no man, showing in every action the magnanimity of an 
expansive mind unshadowed by prejudice, guile, or malice, 
he attained the highest honors it was within the power of 
his constitiients to bestow as an acknowledgment of his 
worth. The strife and turmoil of public life were uncon- 



8 Lift a ml Character of Abraham Dowdney. 

genial to him. His delicacy <>f feeling and extreme mod- 
esty suffered at every turn in conflict with selfish politicians 
who were more worldly wise than he, yet not more ardent 
in purpose. He therefore declined a ivimiiiiiitition to the 
next Congress, toping after this session to pursue the even 
tenor of home life in the midst <>t' a happy family, when, 
suddenly, in the zenith of his manhood. God saw tit to close 
his career on earth. 

Eacli man was sent into the world to do his own work : to 
bear his own burdens ; to form hisown principles; to main- 
tain the laws of God, and respecl the laws of man. Our 
deceased friend was not only a God-fearing man bul a 
philanthropist. Truth is violated by falsehood, and it may 
be equally outraged by silence. So the highest praise that 
can be awarded in this case is simply to say he was an hon- 
est, upright, and just man. 

Mr. Dowdnby's life critically reviewed leaves no trace of 
uncertainty in the minds of those who knew him. He was 
prepared to be led by the shadowy hand into the presence of 
the never-erring Judge. 

All thai breathe 
Will Bhare thy destiny. The gay will laugh 
When then ail gone, the solemn brood of care 
Pluil on, and each one as before « ill chase 
His favorite phantom ; yel all these -hall leave 
Their mirth and their employments, and shall come 
And make their bed with thee. \* the long train 
Of ages glide away, the sons of men, 
The youth in life's green spring, and he who goes 
In the full strength of years, matron and maid. 
The speechless babe, and I he gray-headed man — 
shall one by one be gal heri d to t In side, 
Bj those who m their turn glial! follow them. 



Address of Mr. Vide, of New York. 9 

Address of Mr. Viele, of New York. 

Mr. Speaker: The announcement of the sudden death of 
our lamented friend and associate, Abraham Dowdney, 
was received with feelings of utter incredulity ; and even 
now it seems almost impossible to fully realize the fact that 
he has passed forever from the scenes of busy life, in which 
he took such an active part. He was in the very prime of 
life, and a wide field of usefulness and honor was opened out 
for him in the future. He was s, type of many of our worthy 
fellow-citizens, who, born in a foreign land, came to this 
country in their boyhood, and growing up under the auspices 
of our free institutions, have given to the home of their 
adoption a love and allegiance as true and loyal as if it were 
their birthplace. 

His life was one of uninterrupted activity ; with earnest 
and untiring effort he trod the paths that lead through 
industry to competency, and yet not forgetful of his obliga- 
tions as a citizen he gave a large portion of his time gratui- 
tously to the duties of an office of the public schools. On the 
breaking out of the war he organized a company of soldiers, 
and at a large pecuniary sacrifice left his business and went 
into the field. 

The loyalty to his country thus promptly shown was the 
key to his whole character, for he was loyal and true in every 
relation of life. Representing so far as individual possessions 
are concerned the wealthiest constituents in the United 
States, his personal feelings were nevertheless absorbed by 
the interests of the poor. 

None among them ever appealed to him in vain. The cir- 
cumstances which brought him to the House of Representa- 
tives were not of his seeking. He accepted the trust as he 
would perform any other duty, simply because he con- 



10 Life Hud Character of Abraham Dowdney. 

sidered it liis duty. He never sought or desired the applause 
of the multitude, nor did he expect to receive through popu- 
lar plaudits any return for the services it might be in his 
power to render to his fellow-citizens. A man of innate 
modesty of ehararter and demeanor, he felt much more the 
responsibilities in holding a public position than of any 
honor it might bring to him personally. All who remem- 
ber him on this floor will recall his earnest attention to every 
subject under discussion. 

His opinions were formed on a careful examination of the 
questions at issue, and they were generally characteristic 
of a mind that conscientiously weighed all the facts pre- 
sented, and decided only a Iter mature deliberation, and when 
his conclusions were once arrived at they were unalterable. 
Unobtrusive almost to diffidence, he had no false aspirations 
or selfish ambition, and yet no Representative possessed a 
warmer regard or a greater degree of confidence among his 
constituents Hum Mr. Dowdney had secured for himself 
through the sterling traits of character that belonged to 
him. No one could doubt this wln> saw the multitude that 
gathered in the great cathedral of the metropolis on the 
occasion of his obsequies. 

The vast temple was filled with mourners, whose illy sup- 
pressed feelings testified to the sincerity of their sorrow. It 
was indeed an impressive scene. The softened rays of 
varied light that poured through the limned windows, the 
solemn requiem from the deep-toned organ, the priests in 
their robes of sanctity, the long procession of acolytes, the 
burning tapers, the incense fr the -olden censers, all 

gave testimony that the plain and unostentatious man was 
as much to the church as the highest and most conspicuous 
in the land. And that church received his remains with 
the deepest lo\eand \ i ' 1 1 e ra i i. in . to be cherished and remem- 



Address of Mr. Hewitt, of New York. \ \ 

bered in its daily intercessions so long as prayer shall be 
offered to the Throne of Grace and Mercy, and so shall we, 
his friends and associates, keep his memory green. 

His generous nature and kindly disposition can not soon 
be forgotten. He has gone before, but is only waiting for 
us to follow, waiting where the angels wait, beside the shin- 
ing river. May we all hope to leave behind us as kindly 
remembrances, unalloyed save by sorrow and regret. 



Address of Mr Hewitt, of New York. 

Mr. Speaker : I propose to enter into the career of Mr. 
Downdey a little more at length, because of the three 
members he was the least known to his associates in the 
House, and his modesty had kept him from showing the 
sterling qualities of mind and heart which made up a manly 
and admirable character. To me personally he was unknown 
until after his election to Congress. At first I was disposed 
to wonder why a man of such quiet and reserved temper 
and habits should have been selected for a position which 
requires force, courage, and intellect ; but as I came to know 
him better, I saw that he possessed a solid stratum of sound 
sense which could be relied upon in every emergency to lead 
him to a sound decision and to honest action. I think his 
peculiarities of character were largely due to the influence 
of a good mother to whom he was passionately attached, 
and for whom his love and respect increased to the last hour 
of his life. 

Abraham Dowdney was born in Youghal, in Ireland, 
the native place of his mother, in the year 1840. He was 
the son of an English sea captain, a man of some means and 
of great energy of character. His father's family had long 
lived at Topsham, in England, but his mother continued 



12 Life <i i i<l Character of Abraham Dowdney. 

after her marriage to reside in Ireland, where the family 
were born. When he had reached the age of eight years 

his father met with an injury at sea, which resulted in his 
death within two weeks after being landed at the nearesl 
pi irt in England. There were four children, < if whi >m Abra- 
ham was the eldest. They remained in England for several 
months, in order to settle up the modest estate of the father, 
but when this was accomplished Mrs. Dowdney returned to 
Ireland, where the family resided until Abraham was thir- 
teen years old. He passed the interval at school, where he 
seems to have been a diligent student, and to have shown 
not only great fondness for books but a general intelli- 
gence which made him a favorite with the officers of the 
garrison stationed at Youghal, so that they often made a 
companion of him in their little excursions, and doubtless 
gave him larger views of the world than he would otherwise 
have possessed. lie lived in a romantic country, the home 
of the Desmonds, marie famous by soni;- and tradition, and 
filled with the scenes of many a hard-fought conflict. He 
had a taste for nature, and wandered among the hills at his 
own free will, developing that honest spirit which never de- 
serted him through his subsequent career. 

An illustration of his personal self-reliance is to be found 
in the fad that, having fallen from a tree and broken his 
arm. he wen! directly to the doctor and had it set and 
properly bound up, and then returned to his home, saying 
nothing to his mother as to what had happened, so that she 
first learned of the areident by the inquiries of others who 
knew how the boj must have suffered. At the age "I' 
twelve be calmly signified his .intention of going to America 
to seek his fortune. Sis mother was quite willing to accom- 
modate herself to lus wishes, as she had a brother residing 
in New York, who was anxious that she should join him 



Address of Mr. Hewitt, of New York. 13 

with her little family, and especially with the bright and 
intelligent lad who had not only made himself beloved by 
his companions but had shown a spirit of self-reliance in 
action and in argument which gained the respect of those 
who were older than he was, and who foresaw the success 
of the career upon which he was about to enter with an 
honest soul, a clear head, and with hands ready to turn 
themselves to any work that might come for them to do. 

His self-reliance was made manifest even in the embarka- 
tion of his family at Liverpool, so that the captain remarked 
that if he had been twenty years of age he could not have 
shown more judgment in the management of the trouble- 
some work of getting the family and their possessions on 
board the ship. On the voyage over, owing to a careless 
accident, a fire broke out on board the ship, which our little 
emigrant was the first to discover and to give the alarm. 
When help ultimately came, he was found stamping "for 
all he was worth" on a piece of tarpaulin which he had 
thrown over the flames. The captain and the officers were 
immensely gratified, praised him highly, and told him that 
he was, as he had proved himself to be, a brave boy. 

This event made such an impression that the officers, when 
they came to New York on subsequent voyages, were in the 
habit of calling on the family and of ascertaining how their 
little protege was making his way in the world. He was 
soon apprenticed to a plumber, but after working at the 
trade for about a year he became dissatisfied and told his 
mother that he was tired and disgusted with the business. 
She immediately made arrangements for his release, and for 
several months he seemed to have passed the time in study- 
ing the city and in solidifying his constitution, which doubt- 
less had been weakened by rapid growth, accounting for a 
spirit of lassitude which induced him to give up his trade. 



14 Life and Character of Abralunii Dowd/ney. 

Meanwhile he kept up his reading and employed his active 
mind in making inventions which may or may not have 
been of some value. 

But the one conclusion at which he arrived was that if he 
had $300 in cash he could buy a house and lot in Harlem 
for his mother to live in. He got some employment in a 
lock factory in Brooklyn, but at last, with that tenacity of 
purpose which characterized him under all circumstances, 
he camly decided to complete his apprenticeship at plumb- 
ing, at the old shop and with the old master, because, as ln- 
said, he had not finished the contract which he had made 
As soon as his time was out, at the early age of seventeen 
years, he opened a shop for himself and prospered so well 
that he was able in a short time to furnish a little home in 
which he installed his mother, so that once more the house- 
hold was reunited. 

At this time, just as his business may be said to have been 
firmly established, the civil war broke out and appealed to 
all the enthusiasm and patriotism of his manly nature. Ee 
proceeded to raise a company, and was chosen its captain at 
the age of twenty-one years. He gave two years of diligent 
and honorable service, when he felt that his duty to his 
mother and her family required him to return to New York 
and resume his business. In this he was successful, enlarg- 
ing it very rapidly by transactions in real estate and in build- 
ing, which brought him fame as well as profit. He was 
school trustee for four years, and for two years was chair- 
man of the local board. In 188-t he was elected to Congress 
by an overwhelming majority, and thus we came to know 
him. 

This is not the record of a very eventful life. En truth, 
hundreds of men of equal merit live and die without calling 
for any special eulogy. But there is enough in this life, 



Address of Mr. Hewitt, of New York. 15 

simple as it was, for the purpose which we have in view. 
It was indeed a manly life. He asked and received no favors 
from fortune. As a boy he early realized that there was work 
for him to do, and he prepared himself for it as well as he 
could. He saw that the world was full of opportunity. He 
did not ask for charity, which now often it is the fashion to 
miscall justice, but he sought for himself an opportunity for 
a display of the energy and the intellect and the ambition 
that fired his soul. He did not seek success by falsehood, 
by fraud, or by the betrayal of trusts. He did not think 
that the accumulated wealth of the world belonged to him, 
but he did think that its existence offered an opportunity 
for him to acquire his fair share of it by work and brains. 
It is curious to observe how easy it seems to have been for 
him to get the means of livelihood, and to pass from one 
stage of fortune to another until he had acquired enough for 
all his wants and of those who were dear to him. 

To accomplish this end he did not think it necessary to 
cause others to refrain from working; but, instead of put- 
ting obstacles in the way of honest labor, he was diligent to 
search out and open for himself and others the pathways of 
industry so that labor might have its just reward. The 
equitable distribution of wealth came easy to him, because 
he recognized the primal law that man must gain his living 
by the sweat of his brow and that upon himself chiefly 
depends whether his labors shall be crowned with success 
or failure. Such a man is in the nature of things a thorough 
gentleman. He knows no meanness, he seeks no sharp 
advantage, he strives to help and not to hurt his neighbor, 
he gives freely of his substance for good works, and he never 
is in doubt whether a promise once given is to be kept, " for 
though he promise to his loss he keeps Lis promise good." 

I was very much interested in this simple, straightfor- 



16 IAfe and Character of Abraham Dowdm y, 

ward, and manly soul. We parted in the House for the last 
time with a shake of the hand, during which I said to him, 
" Dowdxey, you are a good friend and a true man." I can 
add no higher testimony now to the feeling in which I hold 
his memory, and I can only say, "Good-bye, good friend! 
Y< in will never he forgotten by those who sounded the length 
and breadth and depth of your noble soul!" 



Address of Mr. SCRANTON, of Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Speaker: Sudden death has its terrors for t lie living, 
but is merciful to its victims. Such was the mortal end of 
our associate, ABRAHAM Dowdxey: stricken down in the 
prime of manhood, without warning, at the threshold of one 
of his family. The startling intelligence sent a shudder 
through this House on that chill morning early in Decern- 
1 ier. for he had been with us only two days before apparently 
in robust health. But while his life work was cut off at the 
untimely age of forty-six years, its record is complete and 
admirable. The brave, honest, ambitious spirit of the Irish 
lad who landed on our shores at thirteen years of age devel- 
oped into the successful business man, the patriotic and use- 
ful citizen, the honored Representative of the wealthiest 
const ii nency in t lie country. 

Abraham Dowdxey was emphatically a self-made man, 
and in his great success, financially, socially, and politically, 
illustrated conspicuously the possibilities of achievement to 
the American citizen. As proud as is the distinction of 
American citizenship to-day, each succeeding decade will add 

to its luster. The English-speaking | pie are to rule the 

world, and before the next century completes its first half a 
majority of the English-speaking people on earth will be 
included in the population of the United States. As great 



Address of Mr. Scranton, of Pennsijlvania. 1 1 

as are the possibilities of the present, as great as they have 
been in the past, they are to be greater for the American of 
the future. Whoever does not realize his ambition must 
look within himself for the controlling cause. 

Mr. Dowdney gave to the land of his adoption his entire 
allegiance, and contributed more than one man's share to 
the prosperity of its industries and its material advance- 
ment. A widowed mother brought him here and carefully 
watched and trained his boyhood, placing him for several 
years in the public schools, subsequently apprenticing him 
to a trade. In his after life he was actively interested in 
educational matters, officially connected with the public 
schools of New York, and a patron of parochial schools. He 
early became master of his trade, was a large employer of 
workmen, and amassed great wealth. 

The outbreak of the Rebellion found Dowdney at the 
age of twenty prosperously started in business. With warm 
patriotic purpose, common to Irish-American citizens, he 
abandoned trade and enlisted for the war, organizing a 
company of which he was elected captain. His noble spirit 
was manifested in the following lines to his sister on No- 
vember 20, 1862, from the headquarters of his regiment at 
Fort Halleck : 

Banish all fear from your mind. Think I am absent engaged in the 
cause of that country and Government that made a man of me, and 
which I feel in duty bound to stand by in her need. 

Mr. Dowdney was possessed of enlarged and liberal 
views, and had the courage to enforce his convictions. He 
was a man of affairs, of keen perception and excellent judg- 
ment. Eminently practical, always successful and influen- 
tial, he was not charmed by the glamour of Congressional 
life, and early in his first session determined to leave it. 

He was of a retiring nature, and consequently well known 
H. Mis. 158 2 



18 Life (ui< 1 Character of Abraham Dowdney. 

to but few of our membership. He was a good counselor 
and a wise legislator, representing an unobtrusive, experi- 
enced business element, of which it were better for the 
country were Congress more largely composed. My com- 
mittee duties brought me into close personal relations with 
him, and I am gratified to bear testimony to his worth and 
purity of character. During our brief acquaintance 1 con- 
ceived a high regard for him, and in his death I mourn the 
loss of a valued friend. 

The legacy of such a life is better than silver and gold; it 
may well be emulated, not only by the family of boys he 
has left, but by the youth of the land. It may encourage 
the toiler in every pursuit to deserve success and to win it. 

His last rites were solemnized with all the circumstance 
of his church in the grand cathedral of his adopted city. 
We paused at his bier, while pleasant memories banished 
saddened thoughts, and then committed all that was mortal 
of Abraham Dowdney to the silent tomb. There may it 
peacefully rest until the end of time. 

We, too, will go over the river of rest, 
As the strong and the lovely before us have gone; 

Our sun will go down in the beautiful west, 
To rise in the glory that circles the Throne. 

Until then we are bound by our love and our faith 
To the saints who are walking in Paradise fair: 

They have passed beyond sight at the touching of Death. 
But they live, like ourselves, in God's infinite care. 



Address of Mr. Adams, of New York 

Mr. SPEAKER: It is befitting on an occasion like this, de- 
voted to a commemoration of one of our dead colleagues, 
that those win i knew him well should bear some testimony 
to his life and character. 



Address of Mr. Adams, of New York. 19 

It is not my purpose to pronounce any extended eulogy over 
Abraham Dowdney, but, from a knowledge derived from 
the close social relations of years, to say a few simple words 
expressive of my love and respect for the man whose tried 
worth, whose genial character, whose warm heart and gen- 
erous friendship endeared him to all who knew him living, 
and forces us out of honest truth to pay tribute to his mem- 
ory when dead. 

Born in Ireland in 1840, coming to this country at the age 
of thirteen, he was obliged, after a few years attendance at 
the public schools, to embark on his life's voyage. 

It is to be remarked that, with but a scant education, with 
no social or financial backing, with nothing but the resources 
of a strong purpose and an honest heart, he quickly won 
among his equals both name and position. 

Though attached to the land of his birth, from which an 
oppressive and tyrannical policy had driven him, he always 
displayed the keenest interest in all that affected the honor 
or welfare of his adopted country. 

When the tocsin of war that he believed affected the per- 
petuity and integrity of his adopted country sounded, his 
ardent spirit led him to enlist in the cause of the Union and 
against slavery. 

But twenty years old, he gave up a business but just estab- 
lished and organized Company C, of the One hundred and 
thirty -second New York Volunteers, and as captain of that 
company he served with distinction during a period of three 
years, thus adding another to that list of gallant men who 
demonstrated at that time that although of foreign birth he 
could still be a patriotic American citizen, and, if needs be, 
to prove his patriotism, willingly risk his life. 

He gave many evidences of this during the war. but the 
tenor of his thought may be gleaned from a single letter 



20 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 

sent from the headquarters of his regiment at Fort Halleck 
to his sister on November 30, 1862 : 

Banish all fear from your mind. Remember only that I am absent, 
engaged in the cause of that Government and country that has made a 
man of me, and in defense of which I feel in duty bound to stand in this 
her hour of need. 

After an honorable discharge from the Army he left 
the scenes of blood and carnage and returned to the more 
peaceful and congenial pursuits of life. 

As a contractor on a large scale, many of the largest pub- 
lic works in the city of New York bear testimony to his 
energy, skill, and success. 

But not only did he achieve success as a contractor and 
builder, but as a man of rare financial ability ; he made his 
mark as president of the Bull's Head Bank, which, after an 
unprecedented career of prosperity, became apparently hope- 
lessly involved, and to extricate wbich institution from its 
troubles Mr. Dowdney was selected by the unanimous choice 
of directors and depositors. 

He so managed its affairs as president that after an admin- 
istration of two years he paid all depositors in full and netted 
to stockholders a fair proportion of their capital. 

Untiring in his energy and desire to serve some good 
cause, he was scarcely free from his labors as bank presi- 
dent when he assumed the arduous duties of chairman of 
the board of trustees of the public schools of the Nineteenth 
ward, which position he held until his death. 

Nofwit bstanding his Large luisinrss interests, so impressed 
was ho with the advantages of that education which his 
necessities had deprived him of, that without pay lie devoted 
some of the best years of his life to reforming and elevating 
that system upon which so much of the honor and contin- 
ued prosperity of OUT country depends. 



Address of Mr. Adams, of New York. 21 

All honor, then, to one who, amid the toils, the cares, and 
the excitements of a season of struggle, would rescue the 
golden hours of the youth around him from debasing pleas- 
ures and more debasing sloth, and enable them to set to the 
world in a great crisis of its moral condition the glorious 
example of intellectual courage and progress. 

Such in brief was the public career of the Representative 
of the Twelfth Congressional district when he entered as a 
member of this House. 

Is it to be wondered at that he was selected to represent 
one of the largest and by far the richest Congressional dis- 
trict of the United States? 

Quiet and unobtrusive in his manner, with no ambition to 
shine as an orator, he came prepared to do his utmost in ac- 
complishing whatever was demanded of him in promoting 
the glory and welfare of his country. 

Though not well known by all the members, his record as 
a member of this House, as observed from his punctual 
presence at all sessions of the House and committees, is a 
splendid one. 

And though this House lost a most valued member, what 
a tribulation his death has been to his family and friends! 
We from New York, who enjoyed the benefit of his sound 
judgment, his close social contact, and generous friendship, 
have indeed a sad duty to perform. Never shall we forget 
his memory. 

His gentle bearing, his warm friendship, his genial smile, 
and noble heart have produced on all who knew him feel- 
ings and memories that will defy the march of time. 

Fortunately his life and character need no commemora- 
tion of mine, for Abraham Dowdney himself lived long 
enough to see both crowned with undisputed and unenvied 
honors. 



22 Lift omd Cha/racter of Abraham Dowdney. 

His sad and sudden death brought to a close a successful 

life. To-day we bear tribute to the qualities of head and 

heart which, while living, made him a model husband, 

father, friend, and colleague, and which, now that he is 

dead, will cause usto sincerely mourn his loss and treasure 

his memory as we would the recollection of a beautiful 

dream. 

Tlic life has gone, the breath has fled, 

And what lias been n<> more shall be, 
The well-known form, the welcome tread, 

O where are they? And where is he? 



Address of Mr. Muller, of New York. 

Mr. Speaker: The State of New York has experienced 
the misfortune of losing during the Forty-ninth Congress 
three of her Representatives — Lewis Beach, of Cornwall, 
John Arnot, jr., of Elmira, and Abraham Dowdney, of 
New York City; and I come to join my voice with that of 
my delegation in this House, and of their associates gener- 
ally from the several Stales, in the expression of our sorrow 
at the death of these three men, who by their high character 
and successful efforts during their lifetime had won the 
worthy renown of beingg 1 citizens and capable and faith- 
ful men in all the stations they were failed to till. 

We have hea rd from their (dose and special friends how 
bravely and honestly and justly Mr. Beach and Mr. Arnot 
reached high positions of trust and confidence in their sev- 
eral < longressiona] districts, and with them I appreciate the 

State and nation will miss the sage counsel and patriotic 
efforts of those who have gone. 

But my purpose is to address myself to the career and 
public services of Abraham Dowdney, whom 1 was proud 



Ad dress of Mr. Mutter, of New York. 23 

to call my friend, and whose death was not only a pnblic 
loss, but to me a personal one. 

He was born in Ireland in 1840, but came early to America 
and cast his fortunes with so many hundreds of thousands 
of his countrymen in aiding to build up the prosperity of 
this free country. It gave him and them scope for the exer- 
cise of their ambition to get on in the world and make homes 
for themselves and families. He took advantage of his op- 
portunities, and industriously pursued the way to independ- 
ence, so far as pecuniary means are concerned, and in win- 
ning the respect and confidence of his neighbors and fellow- 
citizens. 

His education was received at private schools, and, as we 
know, his calm, thoughtful, even-tempered mind turned it 
to the best advantage. He rose to be chairman of the public 
school trustees in his Congressional district for many years, 
and sought earnestly to spread the means and blessings of 
the most general diffusion of knowledge among the people. 

He loved the fair and beautiful land which gave him 
birth, and his democracy took on a deeper and more earnest 
feeling when he remembered the cruel oppression under 
which it had unjustly suffered. 

But, while he loved his native Ireland, his love for his 
adopted country and her free institutions was as true and 
far-reaching as that of her most devoted son. He was 
among the first to offer his services in her hour of distress 
and peril when war shook the foundations of our fair fabric 
of free government. He risked his life in her defense upon 
the battle-field, and no man could do more. 

There is an old Spanish saying that a man is the child of 
his works. It is so plainly and palpably just that it must 
have come down from the earliest days when mankind 
labored and earned their bread by the sweat of their brows. 



24 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 

It was specially true of the career of Mr. Dowdney. He 
Learned a trade and followed it till he had gained a compe- 
tence. He lived honestly and justly before all men, and 
liis advancement in public positions came rather as a de- 
mand from those who knew and appreciated his virtues 
than from any seeking on his part. 

His devotion to the Catholic faith of his ancestors was 
stripped of every sectarian feeling of intolerance; it was 
genuinely universal, and it had the effed of softening ami 
mellowing his whole nature and enriching his manner and 
address with a quietness and repose which were as beautiful 
and enduring as they were attractive. 

He filled out his days in honor and good works. His loss 
to his family is irreparable. His State and the nation may 
have millions of men who are as good citizens and as ready 
to do and dare what is necessary for right and country, but 
never a one of them could boast a purer, gentler, braver, 
nobler heart and head than my dead colleague and associate, 
Abraham Dowdnev. 

Peace to his ashes. 



Address of Mr. MAHONEY, of New York. 

Mr. Speaker: It would he very much against my desires 
were this occasion to pass without, at least, a word or two 
from me regarding the man whose life and character we are 
considering to-night. 1 had known him for many years, 
and had Learned to admire his character as one full of sin- 
cerity, unaffected simplicity, determination of purpose, and 
honesty of intent, which could no1 fail to appeal to the ap- 
preciation of all with whom he was brought in contact. 
His loudness of heart was proverbial. Nothing pleased him 



Address of Mr. Mahoney, of New York. 25 

him more than to be able to perform a good act, and to do 
it in his own unassuming way, without noise or self -acclaim. 

He took deep interest in the educational affairs of New 
York City, and by his painstaking and persistent attention 
to this subject did much to promote the educational facil- 
ities now enjoyed in the metropolis. 

He was a man of intense conviction, and possessed a mind 
capable of dealing with greater questions in a broad and 
comprehensive sense. There was no smallness in his na- 
ture. In his business relations he was plain, direct, and 
scrupuloiisly conscientious ; while in the domestic circle he 
was loved and honored as a devoted husband and parent. 

Here in Congress Mr. Dowdney was esteemed for his 
carefulness, his conservatism, and his attention to duty. 

He was in every sense a manly character, beautiful in 
many of its attributes; always just, always frank and sin- 
cere, always kind and generous. 

If the record of a life fragrant as this with worthy aspira- 
tion and good deeds and generous intent be claim to rest 
and happiness hereafter, then they are his forevermore. 

Mr. Timothy J. Campbell. I now move the adoption of 
the pending resolutions. 

The resolutions were unanimously adopted; and in ac- 
cordance therewith the House adjourned. 



PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE. 



In the Senate op the United States, 

December 13, 1886. 



A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. 
Clark, its Clerk, conveyed to the Senate the intelligence of 
the death of Hon. Abram Dowdney, late a Representative 
from the State of New York, and that the House had passed 
a concurrent resolution for the appointment of a select joint 
committee of seven members of the House of Representa- 
tives and three members of the Senate to attend the funeral 
of Mr. Dowdney. and that Mr. Timothy J. Campbell, Mr. 
Viele, Mr. Merriman. and Mr. Miller of New York; Mr. 
O'Neill, of Missouri; Mr. Brady, of Virginia, and Mr. 
Scranton, of Pennsylvania, had been appointed the com- 
mittee on the part of the House. 

Mr. Evarts. I call up the message from the House of 
Representatives relative to the death of a member of that 
body. 

The President pm /< mpore. The Chair lays before the 
Senate a message from the House of Representatives. 

The Chief Clerk read as follows: 

In the House of Representatives, 

December 10, 1886. 
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound regret the an- 
nouncement of the death of the Hon. Abram Dowdney, late a Represent- 
ative from the State of New York. 

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That 
a select joint committee, consisting of seven members of the House and 
three members of the Senate, be appointed to attend the funeral, and the 

27 



28 Lifecvnd Character of Abraham Dowdney. 

necessary expenses attending the execution of this order be paid out of 
the contingent fund of the House. 

licsuln-d. That the Serjeant-at-Arms of the House be authorized and 
directed to take such steps as maybe necessary for properly carrying out 
the provisions of this resolution. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate the foregoing resolutions to the 
Senate. 

In the House of Representatives, 

Das mber 11, 1886. 
The Speaker announced the appointment of Mr. Timothy J. Camf- 
Bi 1. 1.. Mr. Yif.i.h. Mr. Merriman, Mr. Moller, Mr. O'Neill of Missouri, 
Mr. Beady, and Mr. Scranton the committee on the part of the House 
to attend the funeral of Hon. ABEAM DOWDNEY. 



Mr. Evarts. Mr. President, I offer resolutions, which I 
ask may be road. 

The Chief Clerk read, as follows: 

Resolved, That the Senate has heard with deep sensibility the announce- 
ment of the death of the Hon. Abram Dowdney, late a Representative 
from the State of New York. 

Rexulird, That the Senate concur in the resolution of the House of Rep- 
resentatives providing for the appointment of a joint committee to take 
order for attending the funeral of the deceased :it In- residence in the 
State of New York, and that the members of the committee on thi pari 
of the Senate be appointed by the President pro tempore. 

Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these resolutions to the 
House of Representatives. 

The resolutions were adopted unanimously. 

The President pro tempori appointed, in conformity to 
the above resolutions, the following Senators to attend the 
funeral: Messrs. Miller, Ransom, and Voorhees. 

Mr. F.\ \ims. Mr. President, 1 move, out of respeel to the 
memory of the deceased Representative, that the Senate do 
now adjourn. 

The motion was agreed to; and the Senate adjourned. 



Proceedings in the Senate. 29 

In the Senate of the United States, 

March 1, 1887. 
Mr. Miller. Mr. President, I ask the Chair to lay before 
the Senate the message from the House of Representatives 
communicating the resolutions on the death of Hon. Abra- 
ham DOWDNEY. 

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate the 
resolutions of the House of Representatives ; which were 
read, as follows : 

In the House of Representatives, 

February 22, 1887. 

Resolved, That in the death of the Hon. Abraham Dowdney, late a 
Representative of the twelfth Congressional district of the State of New 
York, that district and State have ost an able, conscientious, and faithful 
servant, and the country a safe, intelligent, and prudent legislator and a 
public-spirited and patriotic citizen. 

Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be directed to transmit a copy of 
these resolutions to tile family of the deceased. 

Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House, at the conclusion 
of these ceremonies, do adjourn. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate the foregoing resolutions to the 
Senate 

Mr. Miller. I send to the desk resolutions, which I ask 
may be read. 

The President pro tempore. The resolutions submitted 
by the Senator from New York will be read. 

The resolutions were read, as follows : 

Resolved, That the Senate has received with profound sensibility the 
announcement of the death of Hon. Abraham Dowdney, late a member 
of the House of Representatives from the State of New York. 

Resolved, That the sympathies of the members of the Senate be tendered 
to the family of Mr. Dowdney in their bereavement, and that the Secre- 
tary of the Senate transmit to them a copy of these resolutions. 



30 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdru y. 



Address of Mr. Miller, of New York. 

Mr. President: Mr. Dowdney a few weeks ago was ap- 
parently in perfect health. He left this city and returned to 
his home in New York City, where he was stricken down and 
died without a moment's warning. His life's work was not 
finished, but he had performed well his part in every station 
he had occupied. His early life had been one of severe toil 
and self-denial, but he bad achieved material success, and 
had won the esteem and confidenceof his people, who, recog- 
nizing Ins sterling qualities, promoted him to the councils of 
the nation. 

Mr. Dowdney was born in Ireland in 1840, but decided 
while still a mere youth to seek to Improve his condition by 
coming to America. When twelve yearsof age lie Landed in 
New York City, which he made his home. He learned the 
plumbers trade, and was successfully carrying on that husi- 
ness at the outbreak of the late war. Heat once gave up 
his business, recruited a company, and went as its captain. 

He showed his love for and his loyalty to the country of 
his choice by being among the first to take up arms in its 
defense. He realized fully the benefits he had derived from 
the institutions of thecountry by which he had been able to 
rise above the station to which he had been horn. Eis grati- 
tude was evinced by the offer of his life for its preserval ion. 

It was a fact well known to all who took part in that strug- 
gle that the foreign-horn soldiers were not surpassed in loy- 
alty, in self-sacrificing devotion to the cause, or in manly 
courage by the native-born soldiers. 

Mr. Dowdney returned from the war and began his busi- 
ness again anew, and by strict integrity and industry lie 
amassed a liberal fortune. His neighbors, seeing his capac- 



Address of Mr. Miller, of Neiv York. 31 

ity for affairs, pressed him into the public service, believing 
that he would guard their interests as faithfully as he had 
his own. 

In this judgment they were not mistaken. He proved his 
executive capacity in affairs of local importance, and in his 
short term of service in the House of Representatives he 
impressed himself on all with whom he came in close rela- 
tions as a man of sound common sense, wise in council, and 
sincerely devoted to the public welfare. 

His death is a public misfortune, and an irreparable loss 
to his friends and family. 

The President pro tempore. The question is on the adop- 
tion of the resolutions. 

The resolutions were agreed to unanimously. 



